Aches and Pains before a race!

This is probably a daft one, but is it normal to worry about every twinge in the week or two before a race?

I've only done one road race before and I was a bit like that then as fairly new to running at that point, but am doing my first half in less than 2 weeks now. I seem to be worrying about every twinge, ache and pain. Have spent two days worrying about a toe ache / creaky joint to going out this morning on a short run and finding my right knee now hurts which has sent me into another panic!

I have done my last long run ( slow 12 miles Sunday) but wondering if I should be cutting right down, tapering more than I planned.

Anyway, guess I am asking if anyone else is like / is it normal this or is this just something you get used to the more you race??

The couple of weeks before my first marathon, I had so many phantom injuries and illnesses. I also find that the final couple of runs before a big race feel really hard and legs feel like lead and I wonder how I can ever run 13.1 or 26.2 miles when running 3 miles feels like such a slog. One the day it (usually) all comes together.

The taper is all about consolidating your training and resting up for the big day - and for many of us is harder than the actual training itself.

Obviously though you shouldn't ignore sharp pains or chest infections etc - but you'll know when it's a big enough problem that you will need to pull out completely.

I've got my first half for a couple of years next week and am remembering again what it's like. I end up reviewing my training spreadsheet to remind myself that I have done the trianing and it's all going to be perfect. (hopefully).

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